HARBOR FEST:
A Celebration of Sea and Song
Saturday, June 20
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join the Nature Center of Cape May and its community
partners for our second annual “Harbor Fest,” celebrating
the sea, its culture, and ecology. The festival will take
place along the shores of Cape May Harbor, on Delaware
Avenue, and on the nature center’s grounds. Fresh seafood,
live music, seafood cooking demonstrations, and arts and
craft vendors will fill the streets while marine educational
programs, a blessing of the fleet, a kayak and canoe
regatta, and much more will fill your day. For more
information, contact the nature center at 609.898.8848.
Daytime Family Programs
SALT MARSH SAFARI*
Mondays, June 1 through August 31
10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
Welcome aboard the Jersey Cape’s premier wildlife tour boat,
the forty-foot Skimmer, and explore with us Cape May’s
beautiful coastal wetlands and wildlife. Fun and educational
for all ages! To preregister, call 609.884.3100.
*Boat leaves from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two
Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, on
Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest.
Cost: $26 adults, $15 children.
CRABBING 101*
Tuesdays, June 23 through September 1
1:30 p.m.
Delicious and beautiful, blue crabs are abundant in
saltwater bays and creeks. Come aboard the Skimmer, a
comfortable forty-foot, flat-bottomed tour boat for a
hands-on crabbing experience and demonstration. Learn
methods for baiting lines and traps, the easiest methods of
catching, and pinch-free ways to hold crabs. You can keep
any legal size crab you catch! All equipment and materials
are supplied. Preregister by calling the Skimmer at
609.884.3100.
*Tours depart from Dolphin Cove Marina, across from the Two
Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, on
Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood Crest. All
children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: $28 adults, $17 children.
HARBOR SAFARI
Saturdays: June 6, 13
Tuesdays and Thursdays:
June 23 through September 3
10:30 a.m.
Encounter an incredible diversity of marine life as you pull
a forty-foot seine net through the shallows of Cape May
Harbor. You will learn about the lives of the animals that
inhabit our coastal waters, including the fascinating
Horseshoe Crab. A great family outing! Walk-ins welcome; no
preregistration necessary.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-12, children under 3
free.
CYCLING THE SOUTHERN CAPE
Wednesdays, June 24 through August 26
9:30 a.m.
Hop on your bike, and join associate naturalists Fred Beyer
and Phil Zimmerman for a leisurely twelve-mile tour of the
most beautiful natural areas of Cape Island. Bring helmet,
water, sunscreen, and bike. Call for list of local bike
rental merchants. Please arrive by 9:20 a.m.; the tour
leaves promptly at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is recommended.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12;
nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children
under 3 free.
THE BIRDS OF CAPE MAY:
A BIRD WALK FOR ALL PEOPLE
Thursdays: June 4 through August 27
8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Not watching birds when you’re in Cape May is like not
visiting the Grand Canyon when you’re in Arizona! Whether
you are a seasoned birder or have never really thought about
watching birds on purpose before, meet the Cape May Bird
Observatory’s Don Freiday (or occasionally another Cape May
expert) on the wildlife viewing platform, also known as the
Hawkwatch, at Cape May Point State Park for a relaxed
morning of birding. No binoculars? No problem – Don will
have loaners and will show you how to use them if necessary.
You’ll see at least twenty species of birds, or the walk is
free! No preregistration necessary. Sponsored by Cape May
Bird Observatory, 609.861.0700.
Cost: $6 members, $10 nonmembers.
BEACHCOMBING THE COVE*
Fridays, July 3 through September 4
8:30 a.m.
Explore one of the area’s ever-changing coastal habitats –
the beach, ocean, and dunes of Cape May. We’ll search the
shallows to see exactly what we’ve been swimming with, comb
the shoreline for the sea’s treasures, and walk along the
dunes in search of wildlife.
*Meet a nature center naturalist at the 2nd Street pavilion
on the promenade on Beach Drive in Cape May.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12, children under 3
free.
FAMILY FARM DAYS
Fridays, July 17 and 31,
August 14 and 28
10:30 a.m.
Join us for a morning on the farm as we touch and feed the
animals and learn all about farm life. Stops include the Bay
Springs Alpaca Farm and Sea Horse Farm. Please meet promptly
at 10:20 a.m. at Sea Horse Farm on Taylor Lane, right off of
Seashore Road in Lower Twp. We will carpool to the Bay
Springs Alpaca Farm about one-half mile away.
Preregistration is required; call for directions.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12;
nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children
under 3 free.
WILD ABOUT ANIMALS
Fridays, July 10, August 7
10:30 a.m.
From hawks and owls, to snakes and turtles – enjoy this
opportunity to see and hold live, wild animals. Learn about
the interesting lives of these wild creatures from Steve
Serwatka, of New Jersey Nature, Inc, an organization
dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured wild animals.
Guaranteed to capture the interest of curious minds of all
ages!
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12;
nonmembers, $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children
under 3 free.
THE A.J. MEERWALD OYSTER SCHOONER COMES TO CAPE MAY*
Daily during August
Come for a sail aboard the historic and authentically
restored 1928 oyster schooner, the A.J. Meerwald – New
Jersey’s Tall Ship. You can experience the past with
presentations on history, ecology, and traditional maritime
skills. *Sails from Utsch’s Marina in Cape May at 1121 Route
109, just north of the Lobster House at the base of the Cape
May Canal Bridge. The ship cruises around the harbor, and,
weather permitting, out the Cold Spring Inlet and into the
Atlantic Ocean. Reservations are required by calling
856.785.2060. Pick up a coupon at the Nature Center of Cape
May or mention the nature center when making your
reservation to receive a $5 discount. Part of the proceeds
from your sail will benefit our education programs.
Cost: afternoon sails $30, evening sails $35, other prices
for special sails; call for details.
SUMMER GARDEN PROGRAMS
SEASIDE SPLENDOR –
GARDENING BY THE SEA
Saturday, July 18
10:30 a.m.
Learn about the landscape techniques necessary for creating
a successful coastal garden. Includes visits to local
gardens and emphasizes use of native and drought-tolerant
plants. Participants take home plans, plant lists, and
resources. This program is for all who appreciate the
natural beauty of the coast and the gorgeous gardens that
can be found along our shores.
Limit 25.
Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers.
TOURS OF PRIVATE HUMMINGBIRD GARDENS
Saturday, August 15:
Southern Cape May County
Sunday, August 16:
Northern Cape May County
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At the peak of Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration, savor an
array of diverse gardens that have hosted nesting
hummingbirds since May. Learn the magic combination of
native nectar plants, healthy insect populations, and
adequate cover that makes a garden especially attractive to
hummingbirds. Gardening naturalist and author, Pat Sutton,
leads these tours, which include her own garden in Goshen
(north tour). Bring lunch, since the group will eat in one
of the gardens. Before the tour, download, print, and bring
(for ease of note taking) N.J. Audubon’s articles
“How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden,” and
the
“Recommended Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies,
and Moths,” by Patricia Sutton.
Limit: 25 per tour.
Cost per tour: $25 members,
$35 nonmembers.
TOURS OF PRIVATE MONARCH GARDENS
Saturday, September 26:
Northern Cape May County
Sunday, September 27:
Southern Cape May County
10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
More butterfly and hummingbird gardens are tucked into Cape
May County than probably anywhere else in the country. Late
September, the peak of the fall Monarch migration, is a
magic time to savor an array of diverse gardens that have
hosted Monarchs since May. Learn the magic combination of
native nectar plants and caterpillar plants (five or more
different kinds of milkweed) that makes a garden especially
attractive to Monarchs and many other butterflies. Expect to
see Monarch eggs, caterpillars, and maybe even a chrysalis.
Gardening naturalist and author, Pat Sutton, leads these
tours, which include her own garden in Goshen (north tour).
Bring lunch since the group will eat in one of the gardens.
Before the tour, download, print, and bring (for ease of
note taking) N.J. Audubon’s articles
“How to Create a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden,” and
the
“Recommended Plantings to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies,
and Moths,” by Patricia Sutton.
Limit: 25 per tour.
Cost per tour: $25 members, $35 nonmembers.
WHAT’S YUM ABOUT BEACH PLUMS
Wednesday, August 26
10:30 a.m.
Explore the culinary delights of Prunus maritima, a native
shrub of the northeastern coastal United States. Includes
trip to Cape Island’s plum-dandy plum-picking spots, a
recipe book, and sampling of all recipes. Wear comfortable
shoes and attire for walking the back dunes of the Delaware
Bay. Limit 25.
Cost: members, $8 adults, $5 kids 3-12; nonmembers, $10
adults, $7 kids 3-12; under 3 free.
KAYAK PROGRAMS
TIDAL MARSH TOUR BY KAYAK
Mid-June through September 6
Daily Tours at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Get ready for close encounters with nesting ospreys, herons,
egrets, and beautiful salt marsh flora and fauna. Explore
via kayak historic and scenic Cape May Harbor and some of
Cape May County’s most beautiful and unspoiled salt marshes.
No experience necessary! These tours are perfect for
families looking to gain something meaningful while visiting
the shore. All kayak tours are led by experienced Aqua
Trails guides and naturalists. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses,
a towel, protective water shoes, and appropriate clothing
for getting wet/ damp.
Cost: single kayak $46, double $80.
BELLEPLAIN/PINE BARRENS ECOLOGY KAYAK TOUR
Wednesdays,
June 24, July 29, and August 19
Saturdays,
September 26 and October 10
(fall foliage!)
This is a terrific opportunity to experience the serene
beauty of one of Belleplain Forest’s beautiful lakes. The
placid naturally tea-colored waters invite persons of all
ages to enjoy a natural treasure. Be prepared for sightings
of eagles, warblers, beavers, and rare carnivorous plants!
Come and see why the United Nations has included the Pine
Barrens of New Jersey as one of its International Biosphere
Reserves. All equipment, instruction, guide services, water,
and snacks are provided by the Aqua Trails staff. Tours meet
at the NCCM, depart around 8:30 a.m., and return at
approximately 2:00 p.m. Bring a lunch if snacks aren’t
enough. Space is limited, so reservations are required.
Cost: single kayak $60, double $95.
COVE BEACH TO HIGBEE’S BEACH SUNSET KAYAK TOUR
Monday, July 6,
Meet 5:30 p.m. at NCCM
Wednesday, July 22,
Meet 5:30 p.m. at NCCM
Wednesday, August 19,
Meet 5:00 p.m. at NCCM
A new kayak tour designed for more adventurous paddlers.
Enjoy the natural vistas of the Cove Beach in Cape May while
paddling the gentle ocean swells around the point and into
Delaware Bay. Once in the bay, we will paddle north along
the Higbee Beach WMA where over 1,000 acres of maritime
forest still grace the coastline. Skilled Aqua Trails Kayak
guides will ensure a safe and memorable experience while
seeking out dolphins, seabirds, and other fantastic marine
life. See the historic Cape May lighthouse from a totally
new perspective! All equipment, instruction, and guide
services are provided. We also throw in a snack and bottle
of water. Space is limited, so reserve ASAP!
Cost: single kayak $50, double $90.
SUNSET KAYAK TOURS
Mid-June through September
Tuesdays and Saturdays, times vary
The sunset kayak tour is the same as our Tidal Marsh Tour by
Kayak, with the added beauty of the setting sun over the
marshes and Cape May Harbor. Get ready for close encounters
with nesting ospreys, herons, egrets, and beautiful salt
marsh flora and fauna. Explore the historic and scenic Cape
May Harbor and some of Cape May County’s most beautiful and
unspoiled salt marshes via kayak.
Cost: single kayak $46, double $80.
FULL MOON KAYAK TOURS
June 6 and 7
July 5, 6, and 7
August 4, 5, and 6
September 3 and 4
Times vary
The Full Moon Kayak Tour has become one of our most unique
and special offerings, as well as our most popular kayak
tour. This is the Tidal Marsh Tour by Kayak with the extra
magnetism of a crimson sunset over the horizon, the ascent
of a full moon, and the rise of an exceptionally high tide.
Call for times.
Cost: single kayak $46, double $80.
EVENING FAMILY TOURS
MARINE LIFE DISCOVERY CRUISE *
Mondays, June 22 through August 31
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Come aboard a voyage of discovery into the Cape’s greatest
wilderness, the Atlantic coastal tidal marshes, aboard the
forty-foot tour boat the Skimmer. Watch as a nature center
naturalist pulls a trawl net through the water and then
examine the wriggling catch. To make reservations, call the
Skimmer at 609.884.3100. *Tours depart from Dolphin Cove
Marina, across from the Two Mile Beach Unit of the Cape May
National Wildlife Refuge on Ocean Drive between Cape May and
Wildwood Crest. All children must be accompanied by an
adult.
Cost: adults $26, children $15.
NIGHTTIME ON THE BEACH-SEARCHING FOR GHOST CRABS*
Thursdays, July 16, 23, 30
8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
August 13 and 20
8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
What can run sideways, dig a hole without a shovel, and has
ten legs? Join us for an evening stroll on the beach at the
cove to look for these “ghosts” of the night and other
nocturnal creatures. Bring a flashlight, and *meet at the
beach access point at the end of Mount Vernon Ave., off of
Broadway (toward the beach). There is free parking along the
streets after 6:00 p.m. Call 609.898.8848 for directions and
reservations.
Cost: members $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12;
nonmembers $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children
under 3 free.
SUMMER MOON CAMPFIRES
Wednesdays,
July 1, July 22, and August 12
7:30 p.m.
The night is beautiful, and mysterious nocturnal creatures
begin to make their appearance. Learn about the wild night
life as we roast marshmallows over the campfire. Join us for
a night of fire circle songs, stories, and some good
old-fashioned campfire fun.
Cost: members $8 adults, $5 children ages 3 to 12;
nonmembers $10 adults, $7 children ages 3 to 12; children
under 3 free.
SUMMER “FUN”RAISER
ECO-FESTIVAL: THE GREEN SCENE
Wednesday, August 5
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
We’re going green, and it’s a lot of fun, as well as good
for the planet! Our evening features hands-on activities and
kids’ crafts that highlight all the different aspects of
leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle. We’ll explore
the exciting world of solar power, wind energy, aqua
culture, and other “green living” concepts. Join us for an
evening of green games, eco-demonstrations, crafts, music,
and food. Fun for the whole family!
Cost: $10 per person (includes food and all activities).
CHILDREN’S SUMMER PROGRAMS
WONDER KIDS
For children age three through kindergarten. Separate
classes for each grade level.
Monday and Wednesday
or Tuesday and Thursday,
June 29 through August 20
Two sessions per week.
10:00 a.m. to noon
Are you ready for the summer? We’ll explore and learn about
nature through the eyes of some of our planet’s greatest
creative minds. Topics will be influenced by authors and
artists who have taken their inspiration from the natural
world. Come play with outdoor games, stories, arts and
crafts, experiments, critter encounters, and so much more.
Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is
strongly recommended.
Cost: members, $30 per 2-day session, nonmembers, $40 per
2-day session.
Join us for these exciting topics:
June 29 to July 2: Row, Row, Row
Your Boat gently on the sea….Can we make a paper boat
float? Let’s explore gray-green harbor reflections and
the critters of the deep.
July 6 to 9: Windy Day Party. Using their own
energy, kids investigate the power of air as they fly
kites, use wind wands, and blow bubbles, too.
July 13 to 16: Wanted! Dolphin Detectives.
Dolphins...mighty mammals of the sea. Prepare for a dive
expedition in a pollution-free ocean to help answer
everyone’s questions about how dolphins live and feed.
July 20 to 23: Flower Fun. Investigate a flower,
create a garden hat, and plant some sunflower seeds!
Young gardeners will take home special bouquets and
edible treats.
July 27 to 30: Gone Fishin’
“Water” we up to this week? Fishy friends and cool tide
pools filled with amazing critters. Discover the
creatures that live in our trash-free harbor.
August 3 to 6: Sun Shines Light.
Light sparkles and shines in the eyes of kids as they
look through a prism viewer. Then, everyone looks like a
rainbow to the young scientist – sunbeams lighting their
way! Shadow tag provides some exercise fun.
August 10 to 13: Making Waves.
How do we know that the harbor is friendly? Because, it
always waves. Learn to be beach-friendly too, by
recycling some litter into a creative collage or a wind
chime.
August 17 to 20: Old MacDonald.
He had a farm with animals, food, and haystacks, too. E-i-e-i-o,
can you quack like a duck, moo like a cow, and waddle
like goose?
NATURE RANGERS
For children entering grades one and two.
Mondays through Thursdays,
June 29 through August 20
Four-day sessions. 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Hey, Nature Rangers, let’s get going! We’re interested in
the world around us, and we’re ready to explore. Each week
we’ll investigate our environment through experiments,
games, arts and crafts, and hands-on activities. Also, each
week we’ll introduce a different scientist, inventor, or
artist who has taken his or her inspiration from the natural
world. Class sizes are small and fill quickly.
Preregistration is strongly recommended.
Cost: members, $60 per week, nonmembers, $80 per week.
Don’t miss these exciting topics:
June 29 to July 2: Ahoy, Mateys!
Boats Aboard! Set your sails upon the harbor. What will
you see, lovely seascapes, or floating debris? Venture
into the world of salt water, build a boat that will
sink or float.
July 6 to 9: Incredible Flight. Wind turbines,
parachutes, and dragonflies. Oh my! Explore the world of
aerodynamics and wind power. As apprentice engineers we
will construct simple windmills and wind chimes, too.
July 13 to 16: Wanted! Dolphin Detectives. Do you
know how our marine mammal cousins live? Prepare for an
ocean dive expedition in a pollution-free ocean to help
answer questions about how they live and feed.
July 20 to 23: Monet’s Gardens at the Nature
Center. Take a visual voyage and get a bird’s-eye view
of the gardens, bees, and butterflies. Grab your easel
and create a lasting impression of what you see!
July 27 to 30: Hook, Line, and Sinker.
Why do fish hate tennis? Fear of the net, I bet! Grab a
net and a pair of boots, we’re heading to the cool,
clear waters of the harbor! Then, we’ll cook up a
fisherman’s delight.
August 3 to 6: Got Solar? Lucky Renewable Energy.
How do you harness the power of the sun? Check out the
center’s solar panels. We’ll experiment with sunlight
and make solar pizza cookers. S’mores, too? Yummy!
August 10 to 13: Bridges to the Natural World. A
beautiful, healthy har-bor begins with us. And you can
make a difference when you help to clean up the beaches.
Be amazed with our scavenger hunt for reusable
treasures.
August 17 to 20: Matter of Mud; Earthly Hues.
Don’t bother taking a bath this week. Mud isn’t just
dirt under your feet, it is farmers’ gold. Learn to grow
and cook up some delicious food. Then try painting with
mud.
NATURE WIZARDS
For children entering grades three through five.
Mondays through Thursdays,
June 29 through August 20
four-day sessions.10:00 a.m. to noon.
Come one, come all, and join us for a summer of fun and
discovery! Each week we’ll investigate our environment and
examine science through experiments, games, and hands-on
activities. We’ll learn “green living” concepts throughout
the summer. Topics like solar power, wind energy, and harbor
clean up and care will be explored. Also, each week we’ll
introduce a different scientist, inventor, or artist who has
taken his or her inspiration from the natural world. Class
sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is
strongly recommended.
Cost: members $60 per week, nonmembers $80 per week.
Don’t miss these exciting topics:
June 29 to July 2: Aquanut.
Become an underwater explorer. Create scientific tools
from recycled beach debris and discover the life
aquatic. Perhaps you’ll invent an aquatic gadget for our
sea adventures.
July 6 to 9: Wonderful Wings. The first
helicopter was created by Leonardo da Vinci in 1499.
Yes, his inspirations came from bird watching and
dragonflies. You’re part of an air show this week as you
assemble whirlybirds and parachutes, too!
July 13 to 16: Ocean Energy. As artists paint the
waves, surfers enjoy the curl. Scientists have learned
to harness wave and tidal motion to power homes. What
next? Find out how you can channel the course of water
and create some energy, too.
July 20 to 23: Growing Gardens and Inspirations.
“Leaf” it to us as we journey together and discover the
many secrets of organic gardens, growing herbs, and
growing “green.” Then, tap into your creative side and
“draw” inspiration from some green artists.
July 27 to 30: Magnificent Mollusks.
Hey dude, we dig the mollusks that live in Cape May
Harbor. These critters work day and night to clean up
the water by filter feeding. We’ll check out oyster
shell bags and look at shell fossils from ancient times.
Then we’ll cook up a mollusky treat. Yum!
August 3 to 6: Stars and Solar Cars.
The sun is the star this week! Da Vinci invented a self
propelled car from springs and wheels over 600 years
ago. In 1982, the first solar car was built and driven
at 30 mph. Check out your G.P.S. as we work on model
solar cars!
August 10 to 13: Incredible Natural Structures.
Master the art of sandy building projects – from castle
to bridge. We’ll bring out the engineering genius in
you! Watch out for high tide!
August 17 to 20: Let it Rot. Perhaps the center’s
trash is not ready for the dump! Let’s see what broken
gadgets and toys can become as the junk takes on a
second life. Then we’ll get down and dirty in the soil.
HARBORSIDE EXPLORERS
For children entering grades four through nine.
Mondays through Thursdays,
June 29 through August 20
Eight-day sessions (four days per week).
9:30 a.m. to noon.
It’s time to get wet as we explore the wild side of Cape
May. During every two-week interval, we’ll investigate the
secrets of the sea as we set up the nature center’s aquaria
and explore Cape May Harbor up and down, day and night,
inside and out! Get ready to dive into adventure. Become a
real scientist this summer; it’s “shore” to wash you away.
Come on in, the water’s fine! Class size is limited and
fills quickly. Preregistration is highly recommended. Daily
walk-in registrations will be accepted on a space-available
basis.
Cost: members, $120 per two-week session; nonmembers, $160
per two-week session.
Join us for these exciting topics:
Scales, Shells, Fins, and Feathers
Week 1: June 29 to July 2
Week 2: July 6 to 9
Learn how to set up a salt water aquarium this week as
we begin our study of marine biology. From the seaweeds
attached to the rocks to the mammals that roam the
shore, the focus will be on the variety of wildlife
suited to living in coastal communities like our harbor.
Home Sweet Home: Wetlands, Beaches, and Mudflats
Week 3: July 13 to 16
Week 4: July 20 to 23
The habitats that make up the coastal ecosystem are
considered nurseries to the sea. We’ll explore the ins
and outs of marine ecology to find out what makes this
one of the most productive places to find wildlife on
our planet.
Nets, Buckets, Boots, and More
Week 5: July 27 to 30
Week 6: Aug 3 to 6
Scientists use many different kinds of devices to study
the oceanography of sea and shore. During these two
weeks we’ll be inventing some of our own instruments of
discovery.
Marine Careers: More Than Just Science
Week 7: Aug 10 to 13
Week 8: Aug 17 to 20
Working in and around water can be exciting, whether
you’re saving shipwrecked sailors, farming aquatic
plants and animals, sketching sea scenes, or renting
beach umbrellas. Dive in and find out what it’s like to
live and work by the sea!
AQUA TRAIL KAYAK CAMP
July 6, 7, 8 , and August 3, 4, 5
8:30 a.m. to noon
Aqua Trails Kayaking Camp is kayaking fun for adventurers
between the ages of 12 and 16. Young enthusiasts will be
introduced to the sport of sea kayaking through hands-on
activities and lessons. Experienced instructors from Aqua
Trails Kayaking will cover topics including safety, basic
paddling skills, the wet exit, and several self- and
aided-rescues. Tours of the beautiful and historic harbor
and wetlands are included. No kayaking experience is
necessary and all equipment is provided. Students must be
able to swim. Please pack lunch and bring plenty of water
each day. Also students should bring sunscreen, water shoes,
sunglasses (with retainer), a towel, a windbreaker, and a
bathing suit, as everyone will get totally wet each day. The
camp is held at the nature center and in adjacent Cape May
Harbor. Classes are limited to eight students and fill up
quickly, so please preregister.
Cost: $150 for the three-day session.
EARTH ARTS
Fridays, July 3 thru August 21
10:00 a.m. to noon
For children four to twelve years old. Separate classes for
each age level.
Stories of Mother Earth and her fascinating creatures will
inspire you to create wonderful works of art. We’ll use
materials found in nature to create amazing works of art.
Class sizes are small and fill quickly. Preregistration is
strongly recommended.
Cost: members, $12 per day; nonmembers, $16 per day.
EXPLORE THE SHORE
Mondays, August 24 and 31
10:30 a.m.
For children ages six and up. How about some end-of-summer
fun? One of our most popular programs is now just for kids!
Join our marine biologists as they pull a thirty-foot seine
net through the waters of Cape May Harbor. We’ll get
up-close and personal with a large variety of fish, crabs,
and other aquatic wildlife. Then we’ll head into the lab and
learn more about this wild and watery world. Preregistration
is strongly recommended. Limited to twenty children.
Cost: members $6, nonmembers $8.
FREE FAMILY PROGRAM
SCAVENGER HUNT FAMILY FUN
Saturdays and Sundays,
June 27 through August 30
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Want to try a challenge or two with every walk you take? Can
you spy an aster or a milkweed bug? With every successful
discovery, you will learn more about the fascinating plants
and animals living here. We offer a variety of scavenger
hunts for your sensory awareness. See how many of the
treasures you can find!
Cost: Free!
Cape May County 4-H Fair
July 16, 17, and 18
Noon to 9:00 p.m.
Stop by the annual Cape May County
4-H Fair to see the many environmental education exhibits on
display. Many exhibits are created by participants of the
Nature Center of Cape May’s summer children’s classes. The
fair includes rides, animal exhibits, and shows, great food,
4-H exhibits, special attractions, and fun for the whole
family. Open other times for special events. For more
information on the fair, call 609.465.5115.
Special Activities for Teens: Junior Internships
The 4-H Junior Intern Program provides opportunities for
junior and senior high school students to work as assistants
during the eight-week Children’s Summer Programs at the
nature center. Junior interns receive specialized
educational training and guidance from the
teacher-naturalists who mentor them. Daily assignments are
flexible and take place each day between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30
p.m. A mandatory intern training session is held every
Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The internship also includes
a community service project, providing opportunities for
participants to share what they have learned and to make a
lasting contribution to the Nature Center of Cape May.
Interested students should contact B.J. Webersinn, County
4-H Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 4 Moore Road, Cape
May Court House, NJ, 08210, phone 609.465.5115 x605, fax
609.465.5953, or e-mail
webersinn@aesop.rutgers.edu for more information and an
application.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT THE NATURE CENTER OF CAPE MAY
Looking for something different for an upcoming birthday
celebration? Celebrate your child’s next birthday party with
us.
What about a nature theme? Possible party themes include
Dinosaur Dynamo, Under the Sea Beach Party, Dolphins and
Whales, Pirate’s Treasure Hunt, Flower Power, Backyard
Wildlife Safari, Let’s Rock...or...You Name It! An outdoor
experience (weather permitting) allows for even more
hands-on fun!
Each program includes a one-hour nature program with an NJAS
naturalist engaging the children with age-appropriate games
and activities and one hour of free time and room use for
your cake, ice cream, and gift-giving.
The fee of $75 for N.J. Audubon members and $100 for
nonmembers covers up to ten children. Additional
participants are $5 per child.
Additional time can be added to the two-hour program for $50
per half-hour. A $50 nonrefundable deposit is required to
hold your date. Parties must be booked two weeks in advance.
To book a Birthday Party
call 609.898.8848
Check out our Nature Store for a great selection of birthday
presents and party favors!
Sanctuary Notes
Consider helping the nature center by
volunteering three hours a week. We can use your help,
whether it’s one day a week or one day a month. The Nature
Center of Cape May invites you to come meet new people, have
a lot of fun, and help the organization grow. Come join our
volunteer team!
As a volunteer here at the Nature Center of Cape May,
you will have the opportunity to share your skills in
leading program participants to discover the wonders of the
natural world, assisting visitors in the education center,
maintaining and developing our facility, assisting with data
entry, sales in the nature store, and with many more
opportunities.
As New Jersey Audubon Society and the Nature Center
of Cape May continue to grow, we need the hard work and
dedication that you as a volunteer provide!
Call us now, or better yet, just stop in! See you
soon.
A big “Thank you” to all our volunteers!
Going
Green
NCCM is now harnessing the
power of the sun through solar panels on the
roof of our welcome center. Stop by to see how
easy it is to get free electricity from the sun
and learn about other ways we are working to
conserve energy. |
